BIG HONOR FOR GRANDSON OF FORMER VILLAGE MAYOR. Gil Hanse, the grandson of our late former Mayor Gilbert C. Hanse has been selected to design an 18-hole golf course at ThePrairie Club in Nebraska. Thelayout of the new club will be routed along the rim of the Snake River Canyon, above the 300-foot canyon wall and in view of an old historic schoolhouse built at the turn of the century. We are very proud of our native son.

READER’S INPUT. We received a very interesting letter from a reader who pointed out a fact that appeared in my February 18 column stating that the Babylon Business and Professional Women Organization was the first women’s organization in the Village. Theletter was from a faithful Beacon reader and former Babylonian, William Dalgarno of Bradenton, Florida. “May I take this opportunity to inform you that Pyramid Chapter #594 of the Order of the Eastern Star has been active in Babylon Village for more than 94 years,” said Dalgarno. “The original charter was received in 1916.” The Eastern Star Chapter meets at 250 West Main St. and actively supports the Eastern Star Home in Oriskany, New York.

Research into this question by Beacon editor Carolyn James has turned up some more information. An organization called the Women’s Exchange, which organized across the country in the mid 19th century, opened a Chapter in Babylon Village in the late 1900s. Readers may recognize the name since in 1889, the organization, which operated out of a storefront at 309 Deer Park Ave., donated funds to put up the now-famous drinking fountain that stood at Deer Park Avenue and Main Street. Eventually, the fountain was damaged in a trolley car accident and efforts are underway by local volunteers to replace it through the Babylon Village Fountain Committee. That’s what we have on the subject. Perhaps our readers will have additional insight. We thank Walter Dalgarno for his interest and perspective. It’s always great to hear from our former residents and loyal readers.

WHAT A LOVELY EVENING. Yes, the Reconstruction Project Committee for the Fountain Fundraiser really outdid themselves last Wednesday when they hosted a beautiful party at the Venetian Yacht Club featuring delicious food, lovely lottery prizes and much more. All proceeds go to the reconstruction of the fountain. It will really look so terrific in our lovely Village and everyone worked so hard. Thanks to all.

LOVE WAS IN THE AIR at the lovely Valentine’s brunch given by Good Samaritan Hospital’s Dix Hills-Deer Park Guild at the beautiful Great River Country Club. The spread of foods was delicious. The Guild’s official administrator, Charlie Bove, whose family was there, including his cute son and daughter Muriel McLear, chaired the delightful affair and Muriel donated the tons of bears that were the unusual centerpieces for all to take home. Guild President Lois Bowen thanked everyone and invited all to next year’s brunch, especially the children of Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Bove and Mrs. And Mrs. Richard Helm, who were so beautifully behaved.

A DAY FULL OF HISTORY IN BABYLON VILLAGE. The Babylon Business and Professional Women will celebrate its 75th anniversary on April 18, 4 to 7 p.m. at the Clubhouse at the Harbor Club. Of course there will be the usual gourmet “goodies” that we have every year, with lotteries, fun and games, etc. So please come and enjoy such an important occasion with us, and share our memories of the good times —and sad ones. Be sure to bring your family members. In the afternoon, our Mayor Ralph Scordino will host a celebration recognizing the spot where the first black baseball team played. Again, there will be wonderful celebrations and memories. They’ll be lots more time for information for these two events, but mark your calendars now.

JIM BORSTELMAN, THE SON OF MR. AND MRS. JIM BORSTELMAN of Babylon has been working out for “The Addams Family,” which is sold out through August. The Borstelmans previously lived in Babylon and now live in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Jim previously starred in several highly successful Broadway plays.

RICK LAZIO CELEBRATES HIS BIRTHDAY. What a huge array of friends, family and political colleagues gathered for New York Governor hopeful Rick Lazio at Captain Bill’s in Bay Shore. Rick celebrated his 52nd birthday and the evening was beautifully organized.